Scott Parker named Fulham caretaker boss

Claudio Ranieri has been sacked as Fulham manager after only 16 Premier League matches in charge.

The Cottagers, who are 25-1 to avoid relegation, are ten points from safety following four successive defeats in the top flight, having lost 2-0 at Southampton on Wednesday.

Club chairman Shahid Khan named Scott Parker as caretaker manager as Fulham prepare for a London derby with Chelsea on Sunday before matches with Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City.

David Moyes is the 7-2 favourite with Betway to be Fulham manager on the first day of the 2019-20 season, with David Wagner (9-2), Parker (5-1), Michael O'Neill (7-1) and Claude Puel (8-1) also in the mix.

Ranieri said: "I would like to thank the club, the players and the fans for the support they have given me during my time at the club."

The former Chelsea and Leicester boss replaced Slavisa Jokanovic in November with the club bottom of the table but the Italian could win only three league matches during his time in the Craven Cottage dugout.

The club said in a statement: "Following our discussion this afternoon, Claudio Ranieri agreed to my decision that a change was in the best interest of everyone.

"Claudio’s tenure at Fulham didn’t produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him as manager in November, but be assured he is not solely to blame for the position we are in today."

Fulham are 6-1 to beat Chelsea on Sunday, with the Blues 8-15 to build on their win over Tottenham with victory.